1972 AMC Matador vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 AMC Matador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 AMC Matador would be higher. At 4,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1972 AMC Matador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 95 kg more than 1972 AMC Matador. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Matador. (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Matador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | AMC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Matador | CLS |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 80 L |
